Important Super Changes

Changes to super guarantee from 1 July 2022 will benefit casual and part time employees It has been a long time coming, but the $450 monthly minimum wage for Super Guarantee contributions has finally been abolished, starting 1 July 2022. This means employers will be required to make super contributions for all employees, including casual … Read more

Behind the Reserve Bank’s interest rate hike

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision to increase its official interest rate for the first time in more than a decade had been widely expected. The only so-called unknown was exactly when the RBA would move its cash rate higher. The cash rate is the set interest rate applied to unsecured overnight loans between banks … Read more

Investing and tax

Lower tax on your investments can help you reach your financial goals sooner. But don’t choose an investment based on tax benefits alone. How investment income is taxed You need to include investment income in your tax return. This includes what you earn in: interest dividends rent managed funds distributions capital gains from property, shares … Read more

Sharing super a win-win for couples

Australia’s superannuation system is based on individual accounts, with men and women treated equally. But that’s where equality ends. It’s a simple fact that women generally retire with much less super than men. The latest figures show women aged 60-64 have an average super balance of $289,179, almost 25 per cent less than men the … Read more

A closer look at shares

Why buy shares? When people talk about investing in shares (or stocks), they’re usually referring to common shares. These kinds of shares give you the opportunity to join in the success of public companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, and as such, they’re an investment that can really grow your investment portfolio. Because you’re a … Read more

5 things to consider before investing

Key takeaways One of the main things to consider before investing is having a plan – consider your investment goals including when and how you want to achieve them Identify the timeframe you’re giving yourself to build your financial goals and how much risk you’re prepared to take on  There are many ways you can … Read more

Investing for a house deposit

The surge in house prices around Australia over the last two years has done little to quell the notion that getting on the property ladder is an increasingly difficult feat, particularly for younger investors. While higher interest rates expected this year may lead to less demand and a fall in house prices, property buyers are … Read more

Scams to beware (and be aware) of

There is a saying ‘a fool and his money are often parted’ but with scammers becoming ever more devious and sophisticated in their methods, it pays for everyone to be aware of the latest tricks being employed. According to Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) data, last year was the worst year on record for … Read more